Tape read error when using cta-readtp

General Discussion
1

Hello,

We are trying to recover some data from a damaged/dodgy tape using cta-readtp tool. Do you know what the following error is

tapeReadError="Failed ST ioctl (MTFSF) in DriveGeneric::spaceFileMarksForward Errno=5: Input/output error"

and what can be done if anything?

Many thanks,

George

2

George,

In /var/log/messages you should see more sense information about the error.

Check for anything around the same time (same minute and second).

What do you see there? Medium error?

Best regards,

Vladimir

3

Hi Vlado,

Yes, for every instance of the above error I see in the following in /var/log/messages

ug 13 16:36:10 getafix-ts24 kernel: st 6:0:0:0: [st1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
Aug 13 16:36:10 getafix-ts24 kernel: st 6:0:0:0: [st1] Add. Sense: Medium format corrupted

Best,

George

4

George,

Thanks for checking these details.

In this case, I would repack the tape as soon as possible. to make sure the data is safe.

Make sure that when repacking, that area is tried using multiple tape drives.

Let me know if you need more help. Best regards,

Vladimir

5

Thanks Vlado, these are the files remaining on tape after repacking.

Noted your suggestion to try using multiple drives!

Best,

George

6

The difficulty we have with the reading of data from tapes are all related with the media damage caused by increased drive humidity. I have opened a new thread on this issue here, TS1170 drives and humidity